Alto Construct were appointed on this project in Manchester City Centre for the hard landscaping and external works element. High-quality products were specified on the project and exacting standards of quality and construction were required to satisfy the clients’ expectations.

All in all, some 3500m2 of decorative paving was laid on various levels of the project, including existing highways, footpaths, staircases, entrances, and terrace areas. The materials specified were all high-quality natural stone products, including imported granite. In addition to the hard landscaping package, it was necessary to fill large voids around the building with a lightweight aggregate product. The product selected had 85% less density than a normal aggregate and a 75% reduction of horizontal pressure on existing ground. The product was delivered to the site using bulk liquid containers and blown into place using a truck-mounted compressed air system.

The main elements of work included:

• Infilling void of Leca lightweight aggregate fills.
• A concrete slab above the fill.
• Construction of double stairway.
• Installation of decline drainage systems.
• Installation of granite paving.
• Section 278 works on the existing highway.
• Reinstatement of existing tarmac and other areas in adjacent petro filling station.
• Resurfacing of existing highways.